Upper Big Quilcene

Park: Olympic National Forest National Forest, Buckhorn Wilderness region, Quilcene

Map

USGS: Tyler Peak or Custom Correct: Buckhorn Wilderness

8.5 km one way.
Approximate Elevations (in meters)
Start: 760End: 1825
Minimum: 760Maximum: 1825
Net Gain: 1065Cumulative Gain: 1065

End of FS Rd #2750 Trailhead: (102 km from Saanich Hall, 10 km on logging roads, ferry required). Drive east from Port Angeles on Highway 101 to the Quilcene Ranger Station where you pick up the parking pass for the trailhead (these are not available at the trailheads). From here drive south 1.6km to Penny Creek Road (on your right). Drive along here taking the left fork at the Y (2.25km). Continue on this road to Forest Service Road 27 (paved). Follow FS#27 for 12km to the junction with Forest Service Road 2750 (on your left). Drive 7.6km on this gravel road to the trailhead. (A $5 parking fee is charged.)

Facilities available at the trailhead include:

Uses

BackpackModerate. Best from late June thru early October.
Dayhike4 boot (strenuous). Best from late June thru mid October.
HorsebackUnrated.  

Description

This trail runs along a creek with numerous small waterfalls on the way to the Shelter Rock campsite. Along this section the grade is easy with a few moderate sections. Beyond the campsite the trail steepens and narrows (although it remains excellent). From the Shelter Rock campsite to Camp Mystery the grade is moderate with a few steep sections. Beyond Mystery Camp the trail switchbacks a few of times before reaching some meadows. At the end of the meadows there is a moderate to steep climb to Marmot Pass and the junction with the Upper Dungeness and Tubal Cain Mine trails.

Features

This trail features fishing, flowers (Red columbine), forests, meadows, mountains, shrubs (Pacific rhododendrun), views and waterfalls.

Hazards

The footlog crossings are minor and should present not difficulties except possibly during severe storm conditions.

Comments

Camping is allowed anywhere along the creek but you are asked to use existing sites whereever possible and to setup your camp at least 30 meters from water sources.

Campsites along the trail

Ten Mile Shelter0.0 km 760 meters
         		Water is unknown.
    Shelter Rock4.2 km 1110 meters
      No facilities      		Water is plentiful quality is good.
      Camp Mystery7.4 km 1645 meters
        No facilities        		Water is available.

        Water

        Water is plentiful on the section from the trailhead to the Shelter Rock campsite however one may need to scramble to reach the creek. Beyond the creek immediately above Shelter Rock campsite there is no water until you reach Camp Mystery and once above Camp Mystery water is not available.

        For additional information see:

        US Forest Service information on the Upper Big Quilcene trail.

        Other trails in Olympic National Forest

        Trail-conditions

        View trail condition reports for this trail.